One girl, two brothers, and a messy love triangle that’s bound for a bittersweet ending—what’s summer without a juicy rom-dram? On June 16, Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah return for the third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the Prime Video series based on the Jenny Han novel trilogy of the same name (she’s also the author behind To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before). Ever since the first season premiered back in 2022, the show has amassed a religious fanbase spanning multiple generations, with viewers falling into one of two categories: Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah. (Well, and Team Staylor, but that’s going too far down the rabbit hole.)

A detail all viewers can rally behind, however, is the show’s quintessential summer backdrop. The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the show is set in the fictional town of Cousins Beach.

If the destination looks familiar, that’s because you’ve likely seen it before. Wilmington has been the filming location for many, many other coming-of-age dramas over the years, including Dawson’s Creek and A Walk to Remember. It’s also a travel destination in its own right. Wilmington captures the visceral essence of coastal culture with its relaxed downtown river district and three island beaches that feel worlds away from reality. Whether you’re a Pretty devotee seeking to retrace the steps of your favorite characters, or simply want a new underrated beach town to discover this summer, the Wilmington, NC travel guide ahead should serve you well.

Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Filmed?

Earning the nickname of “Wilmywood” and “Hollywood East,” Wilmington, North Carolina has a long list of film and TV credits; it has provided a scenic backdrop for iconic productions over the decades, including One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek. Joining the town’s legacy of fostering angsty teen drama, The Summer I Turned Pretty is its newest cinematic accolade. While in town, fans can go on a self-guided walking tour to see and experience popular sites from the Prime Video series.

What to Do in Wilmington, NC

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Go Dress Shopping

In the second episode of the series, “Summer Dress,” the girls descend upon a fictional boutique called Blush Haus of Beauté to find a perfect gown for the debutante ball. This was filmed at Camille’s of Wilmington, which is a local bridal shop. If you happen to be engaged or need a new tuxedo, pop into the boutique to see their latest arrivals.

Play Volleyball On the Sand

When Belly and her fellow debutantes hosted a volleyball tournament to raise money for charity, they did so at Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility. Although the show makes it appear as though the game takes place on the beach, Capt’n Bill’s is set on sand in a northern neighborhood further inland (which proves useful when the weather is unreliable). On top of the volleyball courts, there’s also a grill and on-site brewery, making for a lively day in the sun.

Walk Beneath a Historic Pier

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